Kids love to see themselves. Can we capitalize on this motivation to help autism? Many respected researchers say yes.

  Video Modeling is a method of teaching in which a student learns by watching a video clip of someone a target skill. At a later time, we will review the difference between terms such as video self-modeling, feed forward and self review.

  While VM has remained out of the public spotlight, it has significantly impacted educational programming, gaming, research into human/computer interface and has been responsible for a growing number of commercially produced applications/sites to engage children.  It has been found helpful with communication, disruptive classroom behavior, increasing on-task behavior, stuttering, public speaking anxiety, autobiographical memory, increasing student participation, promoting social play, teaching complex social sequences and as an evidence-based treatment for children with autism.

 See examples:

Interview with Simon Baron Cohen

• Model Me Kids

  DVDs come with a price tag so you must do homework to make sure your purchases are appropriate for your child's needs. There was a time when making a video was expensive and too complicated to be used regularly in public education. But, today we take home movie-making for granted.  Technology now allows practically anyone to create home video. Home-made video can be customized to meet your childʼs academic and social needs  You can create your own library. Best of all, it wonʼt cost you anything except time and constructive involvement with your child.  And that is good. The ability to create video modeling clips offers parents and teachers yet another tool in a growing Video Modeling arsenal.

  Do I expect you to run out shouting, “Yes! I will do it!  This very day, I will take my camera and today start making my own clips for my child!”?  No. Not until you know a lot more about it.   You will need information and advice to get started.  Parents, teachers and administrators will also need to agree how a home/school collaboration can be conducted.  Everybody will need a platform to provide mutual support.

  Currently this project is being followed by groups and individuals who blog or tweet or autism. Their assistance will be required to spread word about Video Modeling and promote thought about specific needs. This information will be solicited through a Stakeholder Survey that basically asks what everybody thinks they need in order to make an informed decision. The survey will read the community pulse. Responses will direct a panel of educational stakeholders and the researchers who defined the field of video modeling to discuss how best to service the public need.

  For more information and updates regarding this Video Modeling research, please visit our group at:

Technology In Special Education Ning